My 2 days in Singapore itinerary is perfect for anyone who has little time in the city, but wishes to take in all its glorious attractions.
My sister, brother in law and I visited Singapore last November as part of a longer trip to Southeast Asia that took us from Bangkok, in Thailand, to George Town, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca in Malaysia. It was the final stop of our trip before we flew to East Sabah to explore Malaysian Borneo.
We only had 2 days in Singapore, and honestly wished we had more. The city is modern, easy to explore and thriving with life. My sister liked it so much that she vowed to look for a job there.
If you are traveling to Singapore soon, you are probably looking for the best things to do in Singapore. Stay tuned as I will share all the places you can visit in Singapore and help you make the most of the city even if you only have two days.
Is Singapore Worth Visiting?
First of all, you may be wondering: “Is Singapore worth visiting?” So, here’s what I think.
Yes, Singapore is worth visiting—but you need to know what you’re going for. It’s efficient, clean, and super walkable. Public transport works like clockwork; Grab is even more efficient than Uber when you look for a taxi; and you’ll find top-tier food for a few bucks at hawker centres. Think Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, or satay, all in one spot.
Culturally, Singapore is an incredible a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences. You’ll see this in the neighborhoods—Little India, Kampong Glam, Chinatown—each with a clear identity. It’s incredible how many cultures can peacefully live together in one same (small) place.
Keep in mind the weather in Singapore is hot, however this is not a beach getaway or a backpacker’s jungle stop. It’s urban, polished, and easy to navigate. If you like structure with a side of chaos (in a food court), you’ll enjoy it.
In general, most people spend 2 days in Singapore. That’s how long we stayed. If you wish to have a more in-depth visit, consider staying longer (usually 4 days are enough).
Now, let’s look at my Singapore itinerary. It’s structured exactly the way we followed it.
Singapore Itinerary Overview
This is a brief overview of the things to do in Singapore in 2 days, exactly the way we did it:
Day 1:
- Little India
- Arab Street
- Merlion Park
- Chinatown
- Night Bike Tour with Spectra Light and Water Show
- Dinner in Haji Lane
- Drinks at Long Bar
Day 2:
- Singapore Flyer
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck
Now, let’s look into our Singapore itinerary in a bit more detail.
2 Days In Singapore Itinerary
Here is a selection of the things to do in Singapore in 2 days – just the way we did it. In general, I recommend heading out nice and early, before it gets too hot. We either walked or used Grab to move between areas that are too far apart.
Day 1 Singapore Itinerary
The first of our 2 days in Singapore was spent exploring the most traditional and oldest parts of town.
Little India
The first stop of our 2 days in Singapore was Little India. This is one of Singapore’s most colorful and energetic neighborhoods.
You will find so many goldsmiths, spice shops, flower garlands, and family-run restaurants. The streets hum with activity, especially around Serangoon Road. It’s not polished like Marina Bay (in fact, it is rather chaotic), but that’s part of the charm. I told my sister when we were exploring that Little India is indeed a good introduction to India.
Overall, the best way to enjoy Little India is to simply walk around. If you are looking for specific attractions, I recommend visiting the Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu temple. Take time to spot the small shrines on sidewalks, and shops selling everything from saris to Ayurvedic oils.
My sister also insisted that we visited Mustafa Center. I didn’t know what it was until we got there, and it was a fun experience (if only a bit hectic) to see so many people busy shopping. The mall is open 24/7, and it is where locals from this part of town go for everything from electronics to snacks.
Arab Street
Our next stop during our Singapore itinerary was Arab Street. It’s easy to reach on foot.
Keep in mind that Arab Street isn’t just one street— the name is used to refer to the Kampong Glam area, which is packed with character.
Here you’ll find textile shops spilling over with silk and batik, old-school carpet dealers much like you’d see them in Turkey, shops that sell ceramics or shishas and newer boutiques tucked between traditional cafes.
Don’t miss Sultan Mosque, which is literally at the heart of the area. You can spot it from a distance since it has a gold dome. I
One of the unmissable things to do in Singapore is to hang out in Haji Lane, which is just part of this neighborhood. It’s full of murals, indie fashion, and cocktail bars and it’s a nice spot to explore after the sun sets.
If you get hungry, head to Blanco Court Prawn Mee at the corner between Haji Lane and Beach Road. We noticed there was a line to get a table (and people in line all looked like locals), so we thought we’d try it.
You’ll have to first line to get a table, then line again to place your order. They have a fantastic array of noodle dishes and even deep fried food. The only downside is that you can only pay cash.
Merlion Park
From Haji Lane, get a Grab to get to your next stop: Merlion Park. This is one of the most iconic places to visit in Singapore. Merlion Park is located right by Marina Bay, and it’s probably the most crowded attraction in the city.
The Merlion is Singapore’s national icon—it’s half lion, half fish. It was created in the 1960s as a tourism symbol.
The lion bit of the statue comes from the word “Singapura” which means “Lion City” in Sanskrit. According to legend, a Sumatran prince spotted a lion when he first landed on the island, and the name stuck.
The fish body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, back when it was known as Temasek.
The Merlion statue measures 8.6 meters (more than 28 feet). Take your time for a photo: you can get the Marina Bay Sands, the city’s skyline behind, and the water all in one photo.
I have come across all sorts of itineraries that recommend visiting the Merlion early in the morning, or late in the evening to avoid the crowds or the heat. Just go when it makes sense to weave it in your itinerary, as it’ll be crowded no matter what time you go (we stopped twice during our visit, once in the afternoon and once at night, and it was never empty).
Chinatown
It’s roughly a 20 minutes walk to get from Merlion Park to Chinatown – or you can get another Grab to get there. You will be there just around lunch time, and that’s just about perfect timing since eating is one of the best things to do in Singapore.
Amidst the temples and myriad of shops, Singapore’s Chinatown is home to some of the best (and cheapest) food in the city. Smith Street is where to go for hawker classics—char kway teow, satay, and chilli crab are all on sale here.
You’ll also find bakeries serving delicious egg tarts, tea shops with loose leaves and traditional Chinese medicine shops.
Finally, don’t miss the Sri Mariamman Temple and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which are just a few blocks apart.
Singapore night bike tour
One of the most fun things to do in Singapore is a bike tour, and the best time for that is actually after the sun sets.
My sister was reluctant to join as she doesn’t enjoy biking very much, but my brother in law and I insisted she should come, and the guide was very reassuring that she’d be safe, we’d ride on bike lanes most of the time, and we’d never be in any danger – so if those are also your concerns you should rest assured that you’ll love the tour.
The tours goes along the Kallang River, and we biked towards the iconic National Stadium. We could see the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Barrage in the distance.
We went towards the Singapore Flyer and biked next to the Formula One Pit Building: we even biked along actual track used during the race.
From there, we crossed the fun-shaped Helix Bridge to reach the Marina Bay Promenade, where we stopped to see the Spectra Light and Water Show, a free outdoor performance at Marina Bay Sands that consists of fountain, lasers, visual projections and music and lasts about 15 minutes.
The final stop of the tour before we headed back to the starting point was the Merlion, where we posed for more photos.
We joined this Singapore: Marina Bay Night Tour by Bicycle and had a great experience. The bikes were excellent; the guide spoke perfect English; the pace was great and the attractions visited outstanding. You’ll need to get on a Grab to reach the starting point on Block 462 Crawford Lane.
Once the bike tour is over, you can walk to Haji Lane (it’s just 15 minutes away) to grab some dinner and drinks.
Drinks at Long Bar
It’s not over yet! Finish your first day in Singapore with a good Singapore Sling cocktail at Long Bar at the Raffles. Of course, there are many more cocktails that you can enjoy here, but since this is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, you may as well.
The bar is a fun place to visit. It’s 100% colonial style – think wicker chairs, slow ceiling fans, and tiled floors. That very floor is literally covered in peanut shells. Indeed, as soon as you order your drinks the waiter will arrive with a bag of peanuts that are fun to nibble on with your drink.
It’s not cheap – we paid more than $100 USD for just 3 cocktails. But we thought it was worth it.
A few things to know: once you get to the Long Bar, you’ll have to wait in line to get in. The line moves pretty swiftly and you won’t have to wait long. Bring a sweater or a jacket as the air conditioning is very strong inside, and you’ll freeze otherwise.
Day 2 Singapore Itinerary
During the second of our 2 days in Singapore we decided to focus on the more modern and iconic attractions of the city, and it was all about the views. Here’s the exact itinerary we followed.
Singapore Flyer
The first stop for the day is the Singapore Flyer. This is a giant observation wheel—one of the largest in the world, standing at 165 meters (more than 541 feet). You’ll find it on the edge of Marina Bay, and the views from the top stretch across the entire city.
You can clearly see the Formula One Pit Building, the Marina Bay Sands hotel and mall, the Singapore River. You can see the hundreds of ferries docked along the Singapore Strait. On a clear day you can see all the way to Changi Airport, Sentosa Island and even Indonesia.
You will be riding in a capsule which is spacious and air-conditioned. Each can fit up to 28 people. When we visited, it was just us and 3 more tourists. A full rotation takes about 30 minutes, and it is slow enough to soak in the views.
Many would tell you that the best time for a ride is just before sunset, but we decided to go first thing in the morning and to spend sunset at the Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands, where we could also get a drink.
You should book your tickets for the Singapore Flyer in advance. Try to be there a bit earlier as the actual entrance can be a bit tricky to find.
Gardens by the Bay
It will take you around 15 minutes to walk from the Singapore Flyer to the Gardens by the Bay. Visiting this impressive park is one of the unmissable things to do in Singapore, and no matter how long you have in the city you should not leave it out of your itinerary.
Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s biggest green space. However, don’t think of it just as a park, but rather as a full-on showcase of how nature and tech can work together. It’s spread out across 100 hectares, which means it’ll take a good while to visit – I recommend a minimum of 4 hours, even more if you visit the conservatories.
The main indoor attractions are the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.
The Flower Dome is cooler and drier. It is filled with Mediterranean plants, sculptures, and seasonal floral displays. The Cloud Forest is moist, misty, and inside you will also see a 35-meter (almost 115 feet) indoor waterfall. Both places are great to escape the heat or the rain and they are climate-controlled.
I recommend going up the Supertree Observatory – it’s just a quick elevator ride and you’ll get impressive views of the gardens and the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
Our favorite spot, however, was the Supertree Grove – they are those iconic tree-like structures that you can see illuminated at night during the bike tour. You can walk the OCBC Skyway between them for views over the gardens and Marina Bay.
If you visit in the evening, you should also stay until the Garden Rhapsody light show. It runs twice every night and it is free to attend.
Many third party booking sites sell tickets to the Gardens by the Bay, but I recommend getting our tickets on the official website or in person. Third party booking sites only sell tickets to the most basic attractions anyways, and once you get there you’ll find yourself opening your wallet every time you want to visit an attraction.
Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck
You can’t possibly leave out the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck from your 2 days in Singapore itinerary. It’s just a quick walk from the Gardens by the Bay.
The Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck sits on the 57th floor, right above the hotel’s iconic three towers. It’s not part of the infinity pool—that’s only for hotel guests—but you do get the same sweeping view.
The deck faces the city, and the views are stunning. You can see the Singapore Flyer, the Gardens by the Bay with the Supertree, ArtScience Museum and Helix Bridge and much more.
I recommend going in time for sunset – of course, it’s when it gets most crowded, but seeing the light change and the sun sets over the skyline of Singapore is truly amazing.
I recommend booking your Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck tickets well in advance to ensure availability. You will see there are two different pricing options: one for regular hours, and one for peak hours which is what you’d need if you want to visit at sunset. One thing to point out is that once you are up, you can stay for as long as you like.
You can go to the observation deck for free. To do this, you will have to go to the reception staff by the elevator and say you want to go to one of the restaurants located on the terrace – Lavo, Spago or Ce La Vie – for a drink. However, there have a dress code: no sneakers, no sandals or flip flops – which is likely what you’ll wear to explore the city. All in all, it’s easier to just pay!
In case you want to eat at one of the restaurants on the rooftop at Marina Bay Sands, make sure to book well in advance as they are in high demand. Otherwise, you could try one of the restaurants in the mall right below such as Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey – but again, they need to be booked in advance.
BONUS! Changi Airport
Unless you are traveling back to mainland Malaysia, wherever your trip takes you, you will have to fly out of Changi International Airport. This is consistently rated to be one of the best airports in the world, and for a good reason.
Indeed, most airports are rather boring places where people just transit, hopelessly waiting for time to pass as their flight time approaches, and trying to find something decent to eat before they board.
This is not the case at Changi, where there are a number of interesting attractions and endless food options. So, I recommend arriving at the airport well in advance of your scheduled flight and enjoying everything it has to offer.
To have more freedom to explore Changi International Airport’s attractions, you can leave your luggage in storage. Baggage storage is available in all terminals. There also are public shower facilities that you can use for a small fee by the Hub & Spoke in Terminal 2. They include a disposable towel.
Here are the main things to do in Changi Airport that you should not miss.
Jewel Changi
Jewel Changi is one of the unmissable things to do in Changi Airport, and worth stopping for. Connected directly to Terminal 1 and easily reachable from the others, it’s open around the clock.
The best thing to see here is The Rain Vortex—a 40-meter (more than 131 feet) indoor waterfall. It is actually as impressive in real life as it looks in photos.
I read here and there online that it’s best to go in the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds, but honestly we visited mid morning (I think it was about 11:00 am when we went) and didn’t find it crowded at all.
You can see the Rain Vortex for free from a variety of viewpoints, but for a closer look you can purchase tickets for the Mastercard Canopy Bridge. We paid but honestly found it a bit pricey for what is ultimately just a short walk on a canopy to pose for a photo.
The Forest Valley surrounding the Rain Vortex is open 24/7 and free to visit.
If you are traveling with children, you may also want to get tickets to the bouncing nets and the canopy park. There are suspended nets, mirror mazes, and curated gardens—not your usual airport distractions.
Factor in around 2 hours to explore Jewel Changi, if you want to see everything it has to offer.
Terminal 1’s Swimming Pool
Yes, there is a pool at Changi Airport and it’s open to the public. If you didn’t have a chance to swim in the pool of Marina Bay Sands, you may want to go to the rooftop pool at the Aerotel Transit Hotel in Terminal 1.
For a small entry fee, you get a swim, a drink, clean towels, and access to showers. It’s not flashy, but floating in the water while watching planes lift off is quite fun. Not many airports offer that kind of view.
Terminal 3 Butterfly Garden
This is one of the most famous things to do in Changi Airport. It’s not a massive exhibit, but it’s nice and peaceful and a fun place to visit if you are traveling with kids. It is open 24-hours, so you can visit easily regardless of when your flight is departing.
Expect to see real butterflies, tropical plants, and a quiet path. Keep in mind it can get quite crowded in the middle hours of the day.
Terminal 3 Movie Theater
If you’ve got several hours to fill, the free movie theater in Terminal 3 can be a place to relax. It’r literally like your regular cinema, with comfortable seats, and you can even bring your snacks and drinks inside.
The films are on rotation, usually recent releases, and in English. The theater operates 24/7 and there’s no need to book—just walk in.
Best Time To Visit Singapore
Singapore doesn’t have seasons like Europe or North America. It’s hot, humid, and rainy most of the year. Still, some months are better to visit compared to than others.
If you want fewer crowds and slightly cooler weather, February to April is the best time to visit Singapore. Rainfall is lower and skies are clearer, especially compared to the November–January monsoon season.
We visited Singapore in November and it was just the beginning of the rainy season. We experienced heavy thunderstorms every day, which at times lasted for a couple of hours and forced us to stay indoors – thankfully, this was always around lunch time and by early afternoon the sky clears, and it didn’t stopped us from having a great time.
This is to say that if you don’t mind quick afternoon showers, the city is great year-round.
Generally speaking, Singapore is designed to handle the heat. Almost everything is air-conditioned, from malls to metro stations.
If you wish to avoid the largest tourist crowds, don’t go to Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, usually between late January and February. Not only it is more crowded than usual, but it is also more expensive.
Most locals would tell you that, for a combination of better weather and less crowds, the best time to visit is between the end of February and the beginning of May.
How Long Should You Spend In Singapore?
I don’t recommend spending less than 2 days in Singapore. We spent just 2 days in Singapore when we visited in November and honestly wished we had at least another day to feel a bit less rushed.
Three days in Singapore is enough to cover the most famous attractions without feeling rushed. You can see Marina Bay Sands, the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, take a river walk through Clarke Quay, and explore Chinatown and Little India.
If that’s all you’re after, 3 days in Singapore are enough. But Singapore has more to offer if you would like to slow down.
If you have 4 or 5 days in Singapore, you can explore less touristy areas such as Tiong Bahru or Joo Chiat; take a ferry ride to Pulau Ubin. You’ll also have time for a proper visit to Sentosa, which can easily take a full day between the beaches, museums, and aquarium.
If you are a foodie, having more time in Singapore means even more chances to visit the hawker centers or try one of the fine dining restaurants.
Where To Stay In Singapore
For most visitors, and that would include ourselves, Marina Bay is where to stay in Singapore. Here you will find stunning skyline views, easy access to top attractions, and a mix of luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations.
Marina Bay is well-connected to the rest of the city by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), and of course it’s easy to catch a Grab from here.
Gardens by the Bay is just a quick walk away, and so is the Singapore Flyer.
Here are the top hotels in Marina Bay:
If you don’t wish to stay in Marina Bay, the Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen is a good option as it is centrally located, and features spacious comfortable rooms and a very good breakfast.
How To Get Around Singapore
We found getting around Singapore to be easy, efficient, and affordable. The public transport system is well-connected, and most places are within 30 minutes of each other.
Here are the best ways of getting around Singapore:
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
The MRT is the backbone of the city’s transport network. The trains are clean, punctual, and air-conditioned, which makes traveling in such a hot city quite comfortable.
Most attractions in Singapore sit within walking distance of an MRT station. If you wish to move around by MRT can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides, or use a contactless credit card or your card on your phone wallet to tap in and out. It’s very easy!
Buses
The bus system in Singapore is extensive and reliable. Fares are the same as MRT, and you can pay using the same methods.
Taxis
Taxis in Singapore are comfortable but not always easy to flag during peak hours or heavy rain. Fares are metered and reasonable, but there can be surcharges, especially late at night or when leaving the airport.
Grab
We relied on Grab a lot when we were in Singapore, whenever we wanted to reach attractions that were far apart from one another.
Grab works like Uber and it is widely used in South East Asia. It’s usually more convenient than a taxi, especially for short trips; not to mention it’s also cheaper.
Like for Uber, the app also lets you estimate fares before booking, and how long you need to wait. You will have to find the exact waiting spot.
Walking
Many central areas in Singapore — like the Civic District, Chinatown, Little India and Marina Bay—are pedestrian-friendly. Walkways are clean and safe, and there’s a decent amount of shade. We walked a lot during our trip as the city is so pleasant to see on foot!
Is Singapore Safe?
We found Singapore to be the safest city we have ever visited – and if you follow this blog, you know I have traveled wide and far.
In fact, Singapore has been named as the safest destination in the world for travelers.
Violent crime and even petty theft are pretty uncommon in Singapore.
You will be safe to walk around at any time of day and night. Likewise, public transport is safe. Overall, the city if very safe even for solo female travelers.
The reason why Singapore is so safe is that it runs on strict laws and visible enforcement, which keeps things in check.
Of course, pickpocketing can still happen – especially in crowded areas and during big events. So you should always keep your belongings close to you, like you would do anywhere in the world.
Another thing we noticed is that Singapore is extremely clean. Littering, jaywalking, and smoking in non-designated areas can lead to fines. Drug offenses are treated severely, including for visitors.
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